H3N2 as the new influenza virus circulating in Brazil and the reflexes on Family and Community Health

Abstract

The increase in cases of influenza virus infections in the last quarter of this year has drawn attention to an old acquaintance of humanity. The flu, as it is popularly called, has generated regional outbreaks across the country, driven by the introduction of a new strain of subtype A (H3N2), named Darwin. Currently, three types of influenza viruses are known: A, B and C. The first two are more likely to cause seasonal epidemics in different parts of the world, while the last one usually causes some milder cases. Type A influenza is classified into subtypes such as A (H1N1) and A (H3N2). Type B is divided into two lineages: Victoria and Yamagata. Although they have genetic differences, all types can cause similar symptoms, such as high fever, cough, sore throat, headaches, body and joint aches, chills and fatigue.